Fresh calls to save landmark Dudley pub from bulldozer

Jahorina Limited, which bought the King Arthur pub on the corner of Birmingham New Road and Priory Road for more than £1.3 million, wants to flatten the building.

The firm says the former 1930s building does not have a viable future as a pub and the site could be better used by the community, possibly as a shop.

But history enthusiasts have now written to Dudley Council to lodge objections to the proposals, saying the building is worth saving.

Chairman of St John's Church Preservation Group, which is working to restore the church in Kates Hill Dudley, Deb Brownlee has lodged an objection with Dudley Council.

In a letter she says: "This building is a significant landmark in Dudley and adds to the character of the town.

"Surely with the Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve, The Dudley Canal Trust, The Black Country Living Museum, an extensive canal network and Dudley Zoo only minutes away from the site, an imaginative scheme could be found for this magnificent building?"

While Christine Buckley, of All Saints Vicarage in Sedgley, said: "Buildings like the King Arthur are part of residents' personal histories, the history of the borough as a whole and it's distinctive character.

"When they're gone, they're gone."

Other objections have been received including a letter from Martin Day who said: "I used to work there 30 years ago and the place has such possibilities, especially with the new estate being built behind it. It is a facility which is needed."

But there has also been letters of support with people saying the site could be better used.

The planning statement submitted by agent Steven Simms on behalf the developer said: "Despite efforts to maintain the site and keep it secure, this itself has meant the building being boarded up, creating a negative image at this important gateway site. Despite security, there have been thefts, attempted thefts and an incident of arson.

"Consequently, it is essential that a viable use for the site be found as soon as possible. The most likely redevelopment is for a local shop or similar. This is unlikely to be open later than 10pm and would be of a different character to a public house.

"So, there is very likely to be a positive effect on the living conditions of nearby residents."

The site was bought for £1,320,000 in April last year from Wolverhampton-based Goldleaf Leisure, which was dissolved in December, documents from the Land Registry showed.

The pub now has its windows and doors boarded up. It was also damaged by a fire last year. The pub was built in 1939 by Dudley-based architects Webb and Gray. It closed in 2012. English Heritage decided against giving the building listed status due to the loss of its original features.